Team Ireland Members at Official Announcement of Team Ireland for the 2017 World University Games. Left to right: Shona Heaslip, Jack Ffrench, Sarah Lavin, Shane Dunne, Rebekah Carroll, Daire O’Connor and Eleanor Ryan Doyle. (C) INPHO/Tommy Dickson

26 Days to Go to 29th World University Games in Taipei City, Taiwan

Embracing the International University Sports Federation (FISU’s) motto of ‘Excellence in Mind and Body’, over 10,000 athletes will come together in Taipei, Taiwan to compete in some 300 medal events, across 21 sports at the 29th World University Games, 19-30 August 2017 and Student Sport Ireland (SSI) is delighted to announce the Team representing Ireland in Taipei who will compete with student athletes from all over the world in a true spirit of friendship and sportsmanship.

Representative of Taiwan, Mr Simon Tu, Sport Ireland Chief Executive Mr John Treacy and Chair of SSI Ms Carmel Lynch were in attendance to meet the athletes and wish them every success at the 2017 World University Games. Mr Simon Tu congratulated the young Irish athletes and expressed his sense of pride to formally meet with them at the new National Sports Campus. “It is a great opportunity for you to represent our country on the global stage, and I congratulate you all on your selection after so much hard work and dedication”…”And of course, I hope you will come home with plenty of medals!”

Sport Ireland Chief Executive, John Treacy addressed the Irish Delegation and commented on the wealth of talent representing Ireland in Taiwan “I would like to congratulate each of the 64 athletes on earning the right to represent your country in the 2017 World University Games in Taiwan. The number of athletes reaching the Games and the fact that there are a number of Olympians among the travelling delegation shows the calibre of athletes we have in our third level institutions. Sport Ireland is delighted to support Student Sport Ireland and I wish all the athletes, coaches, support staff and supporters the very best in Taiwan – enjoy this fantastic experience.”

Student Sport Ireland (SSI) Chair Carmel Lynch recognised the invaluable support of Sport Ireland and the National Governing Bodies in the preparation of Team Ireland. “We acknowledge and highly value the collaboration of Sport Ireland and the National Governing Bodies of Sport in the preparation of this exceptional team and I have no doubt that under the guidance of the Head of Delegation and her staff and all coaches, managers and support staff the student athletes will do our country proud on a world stage”.

University of Limerick’s Ms. Neasa Fahy O’Donnell closed the ceremony stating how she was extremely honoured to lead the Irish Delegation “I am both privileged and excited to lead Team Ireland to the wonderful city of Taipei for the 2017 World University Games. These young high performance athletes will represent their country with great honour and pride as the Games are a unique and for many a ‘once in a life time experience’. This multi-sport event provides a performance sport environment akin to the Olympic Games. The dedicated work of SSI and its High Performance Committee in conjunction with the NGBs has ensured the WUG’s experience is delivered to the highest of standards for Team Ireland. Let the Games begin”.

Special Guests at Team Ireland Official Announcement. Left to Right: Representative of Taipei Simon S. K. Tu, Head of Delegation Neasa Fahy O’Donnell, Honorary Chairperson of SSI Carmel Lynch and CEO of Sport Ireland John Treacy. (C) INPHO/Tommy Dickson

The Irish Delegation and competitors are set to depart for Taipei from 8th August. The Irish Delegation at the 2017 Games will consist of 64 athletes and 27 team officials and is supported by third level colleges and universities, the relevant National Governing Sports Bodies and Sport Ireland. Please click here to see the full Irish Delegation.